Manufacturing minute: 4 must-read articles on localizing manufacturing, solving the skilled labor crisis, and more

Bonus: Overcoming digital paralysis at your plant.

Every minute counts in manufacturing—especially when you're chasing uptime, efficiency, and performance. That’s why we created Manufacturing Minute, a curated snapshot of articles worth your time. From real-world reliability wins to smart maintenance practices, we’ve got you covered. Here's what’s trending across the industry this week. 

My solution to Trump’s tariffs: I’m starting a U.S. factory to save my small business 
Author: Hans Dose 
Source: Fortune 
60-second snapshot: Hans Dose, founder of Tenikle, is relocating manufacturing from China to the U.S. in response to tariffs that threaten his business’s survival. After realizing overseas alternatives like Vietnam or Mexico came with their own risks and challenges, Dose decided to build a factory in Riverside County, California, inspired by China’s lean and efficient manufacturing model. He argues that U.S. manufacturing can be cost-competitive with China when factoring in automation, lower shipping times, and reduced risks like IP theft and global supply chain disruptions. His startup, Stuff MFG, aims to replicate China’s factory agility in the U.S. while contributing to domestic jobs and a more sustainable, resilient production future. 
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Why Aren’t Americans Filling the Manufacturing Jobs We Already Have? 
Author: Greg Rosalsky 
Source: NPR 
60-second snapshot: Despite bipartisan efforts and trillions in investment to revive U.S. manufacturing, employers are struggling to fill nearly half a million existing jobs due to a mix of skills gaps, demographic shifts, and outdated public perceptions. Many roles now require advanced technical skills or college degrees, and the industry faces a wave of retirements that could worsen shortages. While higher pay and apprenticeships like Toyota’s FAME program have helped attract workers, experts stress that systemic investments in training and vocational education are crucial for long-term success. Simply reshoring factories isn’t enough—America must also rebuild the workforce to match the new industrial landscape. 
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The Doer Trap: How Leaders Get Stuck and How to Break Free 
Author: Katie Anderson 
Source: IndustryWeek 
60-second snapshot: Many leaders fall into the "Doer Trap"—taking on too much responsibility themselves instead of empowering others to lead and learn. This behavior, though often well-intentioned, can undermine team capability, stunt organizational growth, and lead to burnout. Anderson outlines five common "Doer" roles—such as the Hero or the Rescuer—and explains how they hinder sustainable improvement. To break free, leaders must clarify roles, communicate expectations, and model reflective, empowering behaviors that build long-term capability and accountability. 
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Too many options on the table: How manufacturers can break free from digital inertia 
Author: Maggie Slowik 
Source: Smart Industry 
60-second snapshot: Manufacturers are facing digital inertia as the overwhelming number of technology options paralyzes decision-making, despite the proven benefits of focused digital investment. Sustainability and ESG pressures are rising, but many companies struggle with credible strategies and data management, even as new regulations increase urgency. Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, with interconnected systems creating vulnerabilities and prompting a shift toward secure cloud solutions. To thrive, manufacturers must embrace integrated digital and sustainability practices to boost resilience, agility, and long-term competitiveness. 
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Overcome Workforce Challenges in EHS: Strategies for Success 
Author: R. Mukund 
Source: EHS Today 
60-second snapshot: EHS leaders are navigating rising workforce challenges including high turnover, skills shortages, and increased responsibilities, all of which threaten safety performance. The integration of AI and emerging technologies offers a powerful solution by enabling real-time risk detection, predictive analytics, and more personalized, effective training. However, success depends not just on technology, but also on strong leadership, executive buy-in, and a company-wide culture that prioritizes safety and transparency. By combining digital tools with proactive leadership and cross-functional collaboration, organizations can transform safety management into a strategic advantage. 
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About the Author

Alexis Gajewski

Alexis Gajewski

Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.

During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry. 

Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.

She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.

Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.

Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn

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